BANGKOK (AP) — Jarkko Nieminen of Finland overcame a tough challenge from Austrian teenager Dominic Thiem on Tuesday, winning 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in the first round of the Thailand Open.
Nieminen, a finalist in last year’s tournament, was two points away from losing in the 10th game of the deciding set against the 18-year-old Thiem. But he held his serve and then earned the decisive break, despite having struggled with an illness for the last three days.
The Finn said, “I tried to practice yesterday but it felt worse so I rest again.”
Two German players also advanced. Matthias Bachinge beat Greg Jones of Australia 7-5, 6-4, and Michael Berrer downed Swiss qualifier Marco Chiudinelli 7-6 (4), 6-3.
